FILE - In a Jan. 6, 2010 file photo, Pennsylvania state Rep. Jewell Williams, D-Philadelphia, talks with a colleague on the floor of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in Harrisburg, Pa. Williams, currently serving as the Sheriff of Philadelphia, is denying allegations of sexual harassment made by several women. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017 that Williams called the accusations "without merit." (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The sheriff of Philadelphia is denying allegations of sexual harassment made by several women.

An administrative assistant in the office of Sheriff Jewell Williams last week filed a federal lawsuit alleging sexual come-ons and lewd remarks from 2013 to 2015. Williams says he "categorically" denies that in the "strongest possible fashion."

A former employee also alleged harassment in a complaint last fall with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Tuesday the 60-year-old Williams called the accusations "without merit" and asked the public to leave the issue to the courts "before passing judgment."

Williams declined to comment on a $30,000 settlement state Democrats acknowledge paying in a 2011 lawsuit by a third woman who alleged harassment when Williams was a state representative and she was his legislative aide.